Hyderabad, Sep 12 (NationPress) The government of Telangana is preparing to approach the Centre for a special funding package for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, scheduled for 2027. During a meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday, officials decided to draft a proposal to the Union Government, taking into account the anticipated large influx of pilgrims attending this Southern Kumbh Mela.

The Chief Minister instructed his team to initiate preparations well in advance for this significant event, commencing on July 23, 2027.

With nearly 22 months before the event, the CM emphasized the importance of establishing permanent infrastructure and development projects.

He insisted that arrangements be made on a long-lasting basis, with thorough planning. In the meeting held at the Command Control Centre, the Chief Minister highlighted the need for enhancing major temples along the Godavari riverbank throughout the state, ensuring strong infrastructure to accommodate the influx of devotees during the Pushkaralu.

He underscored that facilities catering to the lakhs of pilgrims arriving for the holy dip must be prepared without any shortcomings.

The Godavari River, which flows approximately 560 km through Telangana, has about 74 ghats proposed for Pushkar arrangements. The CM prioritized Basara, Kaleshwaram, Dharmapuri, and Bhadrachalam temples, where the highest number of pilgrims is expected.

He mandated the establishment of permanent Pushkar ghats alongside temple infrastructure. Other suitable riverside locations for Pushkar baths were also noted as secondary priorities. The CM stressed that facilities must be equipped to manage crowds exceeding two lakh devotees in a single day, including provisions for roads, traffic control, parking, drinking water, bathing ghats, and accommodation.

Officials were directed to prepare project reports following on-site visits to all temples along the river and collaborate with temple committees and local officials. The CM insisted on employing experienced consultants who have previously managed large religious events like the Kumbh Mela and Pushkar festivals in other states.

Moreover, he recommended creating individual project reports for each significant temple and ghat from Basara to Bhadrachalam. Additionally, he instructed officials to leverage centrally sponsored initiatives such as Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission for the Pushkar arrangements.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of seamless collaboration among the Tourism, Irrigation, and Endowments Departments and urged the use of reputable agencies and consultants to ensure smooth and enduring arrangements for this historic festival.

Present at the meeting were Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, Chief Minister’s advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Endowments Department Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyar, CMO Principal Secretary Sheshadri, CM’s Principal Secretary Srinivasa Raju, and religious advisor Govind Hari.